CLOSING post offices as part of Government cutbacks has provoked a mix of anger and fear among elderly residents.

They say the post office is a lifeline for many older people, and that the Government should think wisely about the effects of its decision come the next General Election.

Peggy Furber, 83, a resident at Wright Court retirement home, uses the Millstone Lane post office in Nantwich every day, and says she was horrified to hear it was to be axed.

‘I feel very strongly that they are taking away our freedom of choice. This is not democracy. This is more like a dictatorship.

‘A lot of older people don’t drive any more, and having to go into the town centre to Pepper Street to use a post office will be too much for them.

‘Also, a lot of us don’t have bank accounts, so where are we supposed to pick up our pensions?

‘This one at Millstone Lane is more than just a post office. We can buy milk and bread, the things you otherwise would have to go to the supermarket for. Some of the elderly are so worried they are thinking about having to move.

‘The Government try to pacify us with things like the winter fuel allowance, but come the springtime when that’s not such an issue, people will remember what they have done to our post offices.

‘The Government should not turn their back on the elderly, and need to remember that if they do, then come the next General Election a lot of older voters will turn their back on them. They have certainly lost my vote.’